Description
This Irresistible Garlic Bread Pasta combines the comforting flavors of garlic bread with tender pasta for a delightful, easy-to-make meal. Crispy garlic bread crumb topping adds texture and richness, while the garlic-infused buttery sauce coats every strand perfectly. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying comfort food craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup chicken broth or pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Garlic Bread Topping
- 1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs (from French bread or Italian loaf)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare garlic bread topping: While pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Combine bread crumbs, melted butter, olive oil, and grated garlic in the skillet. Toast the mixture, stirring often, until golden and crisp, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Make garlic sauce base: In the same skillet (wipe out excess crumbs if necessary), melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Season and simmer: Stir in salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and Italian seasoning. Pour in chicken broth or reserved pasta water and let simmer for 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and toss again. Add splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately topped generously with the crispy garlic bread crumbs and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and keep the heat low so garlic becomes sweet and aromatic rather than bitter.
- For extra creaminess, add 2 tablespoons cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream when tossing the pasta.
- For a more authentic garlic bread flavor, use crumbs from a slightly stale loaf and toast until deeply golden.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water and add fresh toasted crumbs on top before serving.
